Hemispherectomy

There are many surgical procedures which fall under the broad category of hemispherectomy. The main goal of each procedure is to stop the seizures by completely disconnecting one cerebral hemisphere from the other in order to prevent seizures from spreading to other parts of the brain.

Surgeons are not trained in all techniques and some techniques are more complicated than others. Most surgeons perform only the procedures they have been trained to perform and are familiar with. This video explains the history of hemispherectomy surgery and why different techniques were developed:

What are the chances of total seizure control after hemispherectomy?

A recent systemic review of 15 studies which address seizure outcomes across several different hemispherectomy procedures shows that the long-term seizure control rate at five years or more after surgery is 71%.

What factors affect seizure control?

Children whose seizures began after 3 1/2 months of age have a higher chance of long-term seizure control. Also, children with abnormal MRI findings prior to surgery also have higher rates of control. Sturge-Weber syndrome, Rasmussen’s encephalitis, and pediatric stroke syndrome have the highest seizure control rate of approximately 80%.

Negative predictors for seizure control are primarily the condition which causes the seizures, with hemimegalencephaly the lowest at approximately 66%.

What are the surgical risks of hemispherectomy?

Hydrocephalus is the most significant risk after hemispherectomy surgery. Approximately 23% of patients will develop hydrocephalus, with 27% of those children developing hydrocephalus 90 days or more after surgery. The risk of developing hydrocephalus is 20% after functional hemispherectomy and 30% after anatomical hemispherectomy. This risk is across the lifespan, with cases reported ten or more years after surgery. Children with hemimegalencephaly have a higher chance of developing hydrocephalus – about 40%. Learn more about this risk here: Hydrocephalus After Hemispherectomy

Blood loss requiring transfusion is a risk, especially for babies and infants. In very rare cases, stroke, brain swelling (cerebral edema), or other complications can occur.

Post-operative fevers are common after surgery and may occur for several months later. This is because blood product and protein in the cerebrospinal fluid from the surgery can irritate the brain, causing the body to respond as though there is an infection. Most surgeons use an external ventricular drain to evacuate blood product and other matter from the cerebrospinal fluid, as well as to monitor intracranial pressure. The use of this drain can also reduce the incidence of fevers after surgery.